Hello I suffer from panic disorder/anxiety?

i been on alprazolam for two month i was taking 0.25 mg everynight but it wasn't helping so I went to the doctors he told me to take two instead it's been helping alittle but it makes me sleepy and have headache.

I have to disagree, I believe anxiety and panic are a illness. Please tell me how to cure myself because I wish I could and have tried hard to get well. Most all rx help the symptoms but do not cure the illness. Example, RA can not be cured but the meds make it bareable for the person to fuction.But if you know something that can be done for anxiety and panic and social disorder, I'm willing to listen, because I would love to get well w/o meds. Von-1

River, u r welcome. I know I'm sick and have an illness or I would be at work! I was a RN and loved it better than anything, its who I was and now I feel like nobody. I have told you before if you need me I'm here, I'll talk, listen what ever you need. People use to think Fibro was not real, well guess what it is! Just ask Sweet Lemon!! Von

I beg to differ with you on this, dear. I myself have suffered with anxiety for many years. It is very much an ILLNESS, not a symptom. This is not something you can just cure on your own. Many have tried, and many have gone the wrong route and failed miserably. I know, I made that mistake. I learned from the mistakes I made and sought the appropriate help. Panic disorders are also very much an illness, not a symptom. Please understand, Im not trying to start a war with you on this, Im just speaking from my own personal experiences and that of an uncle I loved dearly who tried his best to cure his own problems. He found his only way out to end all his pain was to take his own life. That proved to me that you cant be too proud to ask for help, dont try to do it on your own. The ends will never justify the means. Anxiety and panic are very much real and true illnesses. There are many good doctors out there just who work with patients of these illnesses. Riveralisa, dont give up bc there are many of here who are willing to listen and help. Please know what I have stated here is only my personal experiences. I am not a medical professional. I did spend 22 years as an emergency medical tech on an ambulance, and have seen so much sadness during those years. Many times I sat and talked with the patients, and if I made through to just one person in all those years, I could at least walk away feeling a lil better. Now I spend time here trying to help as well. I speak of my own 36 years of depression, anxiety, panic, insomnia and other problems. If you ever want to talk, just friend me, and I'll be there. I wish you all Peace,Tee

AN

Anonymous31 Aug 2011

Shari, yes you were the one that drove over the bridge. You could at least get out of your house, I have gone for mos I could not leave my home. Yes I have fought to get well and I have only drove a short distants in the last year 3 times. This wk on Monday I drove over 30 miles with my husband in there with me. I drove down a mt across the Tn river, thru town and traffic and on home to the country. Yes I did it. It was hard but let me tell you about 1/2 way i had to take 1/2 a xanax. I turned on the radio like you said and sang my heart out. And yes you did help me with that. But honey I still believe this is a illness, or this old girl would be well. I fight hard everyday, even with my doc telling me I will never be completely well again. I have come a long way in the last year from not being able to take my own bath to being able to now and washiing my hair. I can cook and I can go to the store, but w/o these meds I could not.

I don't like to take them but at this point I have to. Yes I want my life back and I want to work again, but its not going to happen. I will never be the same again, I will get better, but I can't get back my life like it was.This is my life and anybody who can do it another way I think is great, we are all diffrent and we all have diffrent levels of anxiety, panic and social disorder. God Bless everybody, Von

Von, You have made wonderful strides, and I've only known you for a very short time, so dont let anyone rain on your parade, darlin! Im very happy that you have done so well. It is an illness, I am living proof as well. My mother is the root of all my anxiety, as you well know. We talked about it. I can see her number on my caller ID and have an attack. She sends my heart racing bc I know its going to be an arguement before I even get on the phone. Anxiety yes, a different form, but ANXIETY all the same. Im very proud of you, for the strides you've made to overcome your situation. If you had to take half a xanax, so what? I have to take 2mg sometimes in dealing with her! You keep doing what you are doing, Hon. Anytime you want someone to talk to, Im here. You have mail waiting for you as well. Just remember, you have friends here who love and care about you, and will support you any way we can.Wishing you Peace, Teresa

AN

Anonymous1 Sep 2011

Ok Teresa you have mademe cry LOL, Tears just arunning!!! Yes we are good friends and have alot of the same issues. As a matter of fact I have been meaning to mail you. We need to talk and fill each other in. I have worked hard to take the drama out of my life as you know. It hurts but learning to cope and live with it. You know I understand about the mom thing. Will maul you later or tomorrow. my computer is crazy, I have gotten some emails that didn't come thur. So if it was you sorry, it get a mind of its own sometimes. Hugs girl V

There are usually certain things that trigger your anxiety and your headaches. As the others have alluded to, these are symptoms, not side effects of the drugs. Xanax, or alprazolam (generic form), is usually given to those who have difficulty with anxiety or insomnia. Personally, I take 1mg when I am battling insomnia. Im not familiar with it causing someone a headache, but sleepiness is definitely a side effect. It might be wise for you to discuss this with your doctor and tell him what you are experiencing. They may want to reevaluate your dosage and adjust it accordingly. Mind you, what I've stated here is only from personal experience, as I am not a medical professional. I wish you luck in your search for peace.Take care, Tee

Thanks Von, hope this finds you doing well. As you can see, I have also responded to Sharipdx as well. Im sorry, but I could not let this one go. Im not trying to start any trouble for any one , least of all myself. I just felt the need to respond and help clear the air. Again they are all my personal feelings.In Peace, Teresa

AN

Anonymous1 Sep 2011

Teresa, I'm doing some better. But I have tomorrow, so who knows what I will get up to! We have our days, some good and some bad. You are a sweet person and one of my fav people, but I think you know that. Bless you gurl! V